Cumberland County was the first county in Pennsylvania to implement a guaranteed energy savings plan, in 2005, and has saved nearly $2 million since.

The plan affected all county-owned buildings, including the courthouse, nursing home and prison.

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Lighting fixtures in the buildings were changed to smaller bulbs with sharper light and less energy use and motion sensors were put on lights in bathrooms and conference rooms.

County officials put in a computerized system that controls thermostats, and lowers energy use at night and on weekends and holidays.

The county is guaranteed a certain level of savings each year and if they don't reach it on their own, the company it works with, Constellation Energy Products and Services, would pay the county the difference.

Every year the county has exceeded its savings goals on its own and since 2005 has saved $1.78 million. In 2011, the county saved $318,598, the most of any year yet.